Labor of love updates 'Treasures,' marks way for history buffs

It is with pleasure that the Cambria Historical Society announces completion of the Walking Tour project of Cambria’s historic East Village, which was accomplished by a dedicated corps of volunteers committed to the society’s mission to preserve and convey information about our town’s heritage.

We are indebted to rancher/historian Dawn Dunlap, upon whose years of research we have built, and who spent incalculable hours on this project.

We recognize Carolyn Shepherd for her valuable experience, which we tapped into not only for her assistance and input, but ultimately for functioning as a co-coordinator.

Kudos to Linda Finley for materials from past tours, and to Julia Mitchell for needed technical assistance and collaboration. Roland Soucie’s computer expertise as webmaster provides the public with information about the tour, but also reminds us that compiling historical facts and anecdotes is a dynamic process, always subject to correction.

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Researching and verifying information about Cambria’s earliest founding fathers and mothers to be featured on cast bronze plaques identifying the buildings.

Refreshing and updating historical briefs on our website.

Producing a flier for self-guided tours of the village.

We thank Melody Coe and Kevin Ivins for delving into integral facts not readily available, and Jim Shepherd for his technical production, which went beyond our expertise.

This was accomplished by the committee working both separately and together, with mutual respect and regard, positive encouragement, and acknowledgement. It may be noted that in our continual composing and editing and revising, it was not uncommon to say, “How could I have overlooked that?”

There was no finger-pointing, as sometimes occurs in groups working less harmoniously.

We owe a great debt of gratitude to the Cambria Tourism Board for a grant, especially to provide the plaques that are so proudly and prominently displayed by our obliging property owners.

The booklets have been delivered and are available in the museum store and at the Cambria Chamber of Commerce; the fliers are available on our informational kiosk in the heirloom garden out front, as well as at the chamber.

Last but not least, we acknowledge CHS President John Ehlers for his grant application, encouraging support and future plans to celebrate Cambria’s 150th Anniversary in 2016. He will be enlisting the participation of all of Cambria’s organizations and citizens.

Thanks to Natalie McDonald, a young woman who visits Cambria every year, and has offered to perform tunes from the late 1800s and early 1900s on our antique piano at times during business hours the weekend of May 22-24.

On Saturday, June 6, we will host Wayne Attoe, who will sign and sell his new book about Cambria’s history, part of the Images of America series, after an autograph party on the Greenspace property.

The museum is staffed by volunteers from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday. There is no charge for admission, but donations are greatly appreciated. The Heirloom Gardens are available all day every day.

Inspired to join, and help as a docent or gardener? Call 805-927-2891.